- Soccer coach Mario Garcia-Aquino charged with murder and assault
- Oscar Hernandez found dead in Oxnard after visiting coach
- Authorities urge potential victims to come forward amid safety concerns
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced murder charges against 43-year-old youth soccer coach Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino following the discovery of 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez's body near Leo Carrillo State Beach. The suspect, who coached Hernandez in a Sylmar-area travel team, faces special circumstance charges that could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.
Hernandez was last seen alive on March 28 while visiting Garcia-Aquino in Lancaster, according to police reports. His family reported him missing two days later, sparking a multi-agency search across Southern California. The case took a grim turn when Ventura County authorities discovered the teen's remains along a remote roadside in Oxnard on April 3.
Garcia-Aquino's arrest follows disturbing revelations about a separate February 2024 assault charge involving a 16-year-old player. Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized the importance of community cooperation: We urge anyone with information—regardless of immigration status—to come forward. Our focus is justice, not enforcement.
Youth sports safety advocates point to systemic vulnerabilities exposed by this tragedy. A 2023 National Athletic Trainers' Association study revealed 42% of community sports programs lack mandatory background checks for coaches. This case mirrors a 2022 Orange County incident where a gymnastics coach received a 25-year sentence for similar crimes.
The Hernandez family's anguish reflects broader parental concerns. No child should fear their mentor,stated Maria Gonzales of SafeSports LA, a nonprofit pushing for statewide coaching certification reforms. Recent California legislation now requires annual abuse prevention training for all youth sports officials.
As Garcia-Aquino awaits trial, the soccer community grapples with lasting repercussions. Sylmar United FC, the suspect's former club, has suspended operations pending internal review. Psychologists warn such cases can erode trust in youth programs, citing a 15% enrollment drop at similar organizations after high-profile abuse cases.
